The battles we face don’t always end when the uniform comes off or when society labels us as “different.” For veterans and minority communities, mental health is often an unspoken fight as a quiet struggle met with resilience, courage, and a need for spaces where voices are heard and experiences are validated.
The Forward Operating Mind , or TFOM, was created to be that space. A place where the invisible wounds of service and the unique pressures of underrepresented communities can be discussed openly, with honesty and compassion. Here, we’ll explore the intersections of identity, trauma, resilience, and healing. The name comes from a truth many of us know well: operating forward takes grit. Just as a forward operating base is positioned on the edge of uncertainty, our minds are often on the frontlines navigating challenges, adapting to adversity, and seeking ways to move forward, even when the terrain is difficult.
This blog will share insights, resources, and stories that aim to break stigma and build strength. We’ll talk about the challenges veterans and minorities face in accessing care, the cultural barriers that make mental health conversations harder, and the strategies that help us push through and grow stronger. But more than anything, The Forward Operating Mind is about community. It’s about knowing you are not alone in this fight and that healing, purpose, and resilience are within reach when we share, learn, and walk forward together. Welcome to the mission. Let’s move forward, one step at a time.
The Forward Operating Mind 